New art to be unveiled in Newbuildings

YOUNG people from Newbuildings will today unveil a collaborative artwork produced in collaboration with members of the Londonderry travelling community as part of Community Relations Week in the city.

The artwork by the Off the Streets group and local travellers celebrates culture and identity and the coming together of diverse communities and will be unveiled at 4pm today in the Newbuildings Youth Centre.

A special event aimed at exploring the legacy and impact of the Troubles on men will also be held today at the Verbal Arts Centre, Bishop Street, between 12.30pm and 2pm.

Hosted by Derry City Council in partnership with the Mens’ Action Network (MAN) the event will see the launch of a publication developed through a series of workshops where local men discuss the legacy and impact of “The Troubles” on their lives, their relationships and their health.

And tomorrow Thursday (May 17) between 10.30am and 11.30am, the Tower Hotel will host an event profiling the services provided by loyalist and republican ex-prisoner support groups.

The loyalist Ex-Prisoners Interpretative Centre (EPIC) and republican Teach na Failte who work on behalf of ex-prisoners and their families will take part.

Sue Divin is one of the Community Relation Officers with Derry City Council. She says it’s the perfect opportunity for people to engage with others in new environments and settings and explore a range of cultures and experiences they might never have before.

Tony McCusker, Community Relations Council (CRC) Chair said: “The vision of a society which has moved beyond ‘Them and Us’ still has to be turned into reality. Taking part in Community Relations Week events is an active way of demonstrating your dedication to peace building.”

A full listing of Community Relations Week events can be found at www.nicrc.org.uk and printed programmes can be obtained from local libraries. Information on events in the Derry City Council area are available at www.derrycity.gov.uk/goodrelations